Help me convince my friend that a 60 gallon is better than a 40 breeder.

[TD1260]

OK guys so here’s the deal. My friend wants to have her first saltwater tank and bought a pretty stand without considering the size of her tank first… Don’t even get me started. She doesn’t wanna take my word for it so what are your guys thoughts between her getting a 40 gallon breeder and a 60 gallon. She doesn’t understand that she can’t overstock a saltwater tank and have it go very well but she wants a lot of fish including multiple larger fish. What are other arguments for getting the 60?

 

[AetherealKnight]

I’m not sure if someone who is new to saltwater should go for a tank that large. Maybe try to convince her to start on like a 10 or 20 gallon tank. If they’re successful, they can upgrade in the future.

 

[dedragon]

I mean 60 is better because it is more stable but convincing a total newbie is going to be really difficult. Will a 60 fit on that stand she already has or can she return the stand?

 

[AetherealKnight]

But if they must, they might as well just upgrade to a 75 gallon than a 60 and get a new stand. Not sure what type of fish she plans to keep.

 

[dedragon]

I would recommend she look at liveaquaria.com just for the fish quick stats (would not recommend to purchase from there). They give you recommended minimum tank size and if it is reef safe. Cant really help a person that is dumb and puts a shark in a 40 gallon tank so dont pull out your hair if she just wont listen. Cant fix stupidity

 

[PotatoPig]

With saltwater fish habitat and territory needs overstocking’s not a problem. Barely an inconvenience. The fish will just go belly up or kill each other until they’re not overstocked anymore.

Find out the stocking list and go from there to advise why she needs a bigger tank.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Considering the cost and time and effort this hobby requires, I would not push someone into something they might regret later. Encourage them to do research and answer their questions and leave it at that

 

[dedragon]

Barely an inconvenience. The fish will just go belly up or kill each other until they’re not overstocked anymore.

Lol, not really the most ethical way to go about it and definitely not good on the wallet, but hey, if it works it work. (obv joking)

 

[TD1260]

I’m not sure if someone who is new to saltwater should go for a tank that large. Maybe try to convince her to start on like a 10 or 20 gallon tank. If they’re successful, they can upgrade in the future.

I am managing the tank and teaching her, she is just emotionally attached to a wayfair stand

 

[Cichlid Dad]

And a 60 breeder has the same foot print of a 75 and 90 gallon. 4ft x18

 

[dedragon]

wayfair stand

ok hold on there, definitely check that stand to make sure it is secure. Wayfair is hit or miss. You can def return stuff from there as well

 

[TD1260]

Considering the cost and time and effort this hobby requires, I would not push someone into something they might regret later. Encourage them to do research and answer their questions and leave it at that

my concern is she will regret the small tank immediately and wish she’d bought larger:/

 

[TD1260]

ok hold on there, definitely check that stand to make sure it is secure. Wayfair is hit or miss. You can def return stuff from there as well

I checked, it’s solid wood and metal with solid joints. Not what I’d use but not my house

 

[TD1260]

And a 60 breeder has the same foot print of a 75 and 90 gallon. 4ft x18

Option was a 40 breeder in original post

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

I don't see the difference between a 40 and a 60. They're both reasonable size to start the hobby with.

I wouldn't convince someone to change their mind for 20 extra gallons. Plus if big fish are in the plans, either tank will be short lived and not worth the hassle.

 

[lil sumpin]

40 is solid, plenty of things she can do with that and theres definitely room for stuff to grow. What's her goals for the tank like what does she wanna keep?

 

[TD1260]

I would recommend she look at liveaquaria.com just for the fish quick stats (would not recommend to purchase from there). They give you recommended minimum tank size and if it is reef safe. Cant really help a person that is dumb and puts a shark in a 40 gallon tank so dont pull out your hair if she just wont listen. Cant fix stupidity

I’ve already said no to several fish that need 125+ gallons. Most of what she desires are tangs

 

[exnisstech]

I'm not sure exactly what large fish she has in mind but I don't really see a 60g able to house large marine fish any better than a 40g TBO. I upgraded from a 72x24x24" to an 84x30x25" because I felt my fish needed more swim room.

 

[TD1260]

I don't see the difference between a 40 and a 60. They're both reasonable size to start the hobby with.

I wouldn't convince someone to change their mind for 20 extra gallons. Plus if big fish are in the plans, either tank will be short lived and not worth the hassle.

She was set on a marine land 65 that fit on her stand but it sold (fb marketplace). She is basing size off stand dimensions not based on what she wants in the tank but still expects it to “work out without much change”

 

[exnisstech]

Most of what she desires are tangs

Can't keep more than one or two smaller tangs in a 4ft tank IMO.
These guys are why I upgraded to a 7ft tank.

EDIT : Sounds like she is setting herself up to fail based on a way fair stand